Why I’m a Proud Scrunchy Mama
Crunchy Moms Vs. Silky Moms: Who Wore it Better?
Before I begin, if you have no idea what a scrunchy mama is, don’t worry. Neither did I until a few days ago. But then I started to notice the hashtag #crunchymama popping up on my social media feeds. Crunchy mama? I clicked the hashtag and noticed a bunch of photos of moms breastfeeding or wearing their cloth-diapered babies and I began to assume it had something to do with natural parenting. I had to know for sure, so I Googled it.
Bingo! I learned that the definition of a “crunchy mom” is a mom who practices natural parenting or, as defined by one website, a “neo-hippie.” So basically if you are a crunchy mom, you typically give birth at home (or in a meadow or river or something), cloth-diaper your babes, prepare all your own organic baby foods, co-sleep, breastfeed exclusively (no bottles or formula), believe in baby-led weaning and are anti-vaccinations.
From my research, the term “crunchy” supposedly comes from the fact that these women are called “granola,” (slang for “hippie”) and granola is crunchy. I know, it’s pretty deep. You may need a moment to fully process that one.
So if “crunchy” is a term used to describe a natural mama, what about the other end of the spectrum? No worries, I Googled that too. According to many references on the web, the opposite of a “crunchy mom” is a “silky mom.” Why silky? I don’t actually know, but I would imagine that whoever coined these terms figured that silky was the opposite of crunchy. Mind. Blown.
A silky mom is a mom who gives birth in the sterile hospital environment, uses disposable diapers and may breastfeed but also bottle feeds and maybe formula feeds too. She buys baby food from the store, uses a stroller rather than a baby-wearing device, vaccinates her kiddos and banishes them to a crib where they may even be left to cry it out until they finally give up and fall asleep.
But what about the moms in the middle? Well, apparently they’re called “scrunchy moms.” I’ll let you figure that one out for yourself. It’s about as philosophical a term as the previous two, only less so.
My Scrunchy Confession…
Scrunchy moms cherry-pick elements of both crunchy and silky moms when choosing how to birth, care for and raise their children. They may give birth in a hospital, vaccinate and push their kids in a stroller but also breastfeed, use cloth diapers and co-sleep. Aha! That’s me! Much to my surprise, my style of “I don’t really have a plan, I’m just wingin’ it day-by-day” parenting actually has a name! My name is Anna and I am a scrunchy mom.
When I first discovered the hashtag that led me to this whole new world of mom-labelling I never knew existed, I noticed thousands of pictures and posts with the hashtag #crunchymama. Surely, I thought, there must be some #silkymama and #scrunchymama posts out there too. And indeed there are… Like, a whopping few dozen of them.
On some posts discussing the topic, I even saw self-proclaimed “silky” moms apologizing or otherwise expressing shame for being so! So what gives? Why the discrepancy? How come #crunchymamas are stealing the spotlight? Where my silky and my scrunchy mommas at?
The Era of Mom Shaming
“How others raise their kids is their concern, not yours…It is your job to advocate for your own children. Period.”
I quickly came to my own conclusion that silky moms and scrunchy moms definitely exist in larger numbers than it would appear if judging by hashtags alone. But they aren’t advertising it because they’re either not proud of it or they just don’t know such labels exist.
I think that this is because at this moment in history, the pendulum has swung very much in the direction of natural parenting. That’s great! I totally encourage mothers to give the natural parenting thing a try, so long as it works for them. See how I underlined that last bit? It’s because it’s really important.
So often I see mothers cutting each other down because they disagree on how to raise their children. That needs to stop right now. We are all doing the best we can and some days it is no small victory if all we do is keep our kids alive and celebrate that with a glass of wine at the end of the day.
Unless you are neglecting, abusing or otherwise intentionally harming your children, you should never feel guilty about the way you choose to raise your most precious crop. Likewise, how others raise their kids is their concern, not yours. You can dislike other people’s choices all you want but at the end of the day the only thing you really have control over is the choices you make yourself, so my advice is to focus on that.
Now, I know I may have touched a nerve with that last point, and you may be thinking “ya, but parents who don’t vaccinate put their own child and other children at risk,” or “ya, but circumcision/crying-it-out/co-sleeping/etc. is dangerous and unnecessary and babies can’t speak for themselves so it is my duty to speak for them!” No, it is not. It is your job to advocate for your own children. Period.
The last thing that is going to change the way others parent is berating or belittling them for it, so it’s wasted energy to do so. All that will happen is they will shut down and remain hidden instead of hashtagging about it.
There was a story recently on our local news about a new mother who disappeared shortly after giving birth. Her family was desperate in their search for her and worried about her mental health. Her husband said she may have been suffering from postpartum depression and that she was feeling guilty about the fact that, try as she might, she was unable to breastfeed her newborn.
After weeks of searching, her body was discovered. Her husband came forward to plead with the public to not feel guilty if they are unable to breastfeed and to not shame other mothers who are unable to. She left behind a newborn son.
It Takes a Village
When I say I am a proud scrunchy mama and you should be too, what I mean is that I have no shame about how I choose to raise my children and nor should you.
I have definitely, in times past, tried to avoid mentioning that I co-sleep with my daughter because I’ve been scared of the reaction I will get from those who think it’s wrong or dangerous. But only I, my husband and our daughter know what works best for us. I will no longer feel guilt about that, and my hope is that if you have felt that way before, that you know that you are doing a great job and should be nothing but proud.
As women, we are so used to ripping on each other right from a young age. We criticize and even bully each other about our looks, our promiscuity or our prudishness, who we date, what we eat, how we act, and on and on and on. Let’s not continue that trend into motherhood. Let’s be better than that. Let’s raise our daughters to be better than that, and let’s teach our children to raise each other up instead of cutting each other down.
It takes a village, as they say, so let’s be a village that welcomes each other in with open arms. Be a proud #crunchy, #scrunchy or #silky mama, but more importantly treat those who are different with kindness and respect. Remember, we’ve got little ones looking up to us. Let’s show them what’s really important; Let’s show them how to love one another. They won’t remember what kind of diapers they wore anyway.
CATEGORIES
17 Comments
Submit a Comment
ABOUT ANNA
You Might Also Like
How to Safely Can Meat For Long-Term Food Storage
Whether you have a surplus of beef from your own livestock, some wild venison meat from a recent hunt, or you found a great deal on some beef, pork or lamb from a local farm or even the grocery store, learning how to safely can meat at home is an easy way to preserve...
Low-Sugar Strawberry Jam with Pomona’s Pectin
* This article contains affiliate links. For more information, please read my Affiliate Disclosure. This low-sugar strawberry jam recipe is made with Pomona’s pectin and preserves the bright, fresh taste of summer strawberries all year long (without the...
It’s easy to romanticize homesteading, but the truth is that those homegrown vegetables, those freshly laid eggs, that loaf of bread rising on the counter, and that pantry full of home-canned food takes time, effort and dedication. It doesn’t “just happen” overnight!
But if you work on learning one new skill at a time and gain confidence in it before moving onto the next, one day you’ll be looking back and marvelling at how far you’ve come.
That’s where I’m at now. Life today looks a lot different than it did 10 years ago, when our homesteading and self-reliance journey was just beginning.
Back then we still lived in our city condo and were just beginning to dabble in all of this stuff. But my husband Ryan and I felt a sense urgency to start pursuing a more self-reliant lifestyle, and we committed to taking small steps, one day at a time to make that vision a reality.
Over the years we’ve continued to put one foot in front of the other, adding new skills and tackling new projects along the way that have helped us get to where we are today.
While there’s always more we want to learn and do, as I look around me right now, I’m so grateful that we took those first steps, especially considering what’s happened in the world over the past few years!
If you’re also feeling the urgency to take the first (or next) steps toward a more self-reliant life, this is your final reminder that today is the last day to join The Society of Self-Reliance and start levelling up your homesteading and self-sufficiency skills so that you’ve got what it takes to:
• Grow your own groceries
• Stock your pantry
• Create a natural home
• Get prepared
• Learn other important life skills like time management for homesteaders, goal setting and how to become your own handyman
And more!
If you’ve been feeling called to level up your self-reliance skills (because let’s be honest, we’re in for a wild ride these next few years with everything going on in the world), now is the time to heed that call.
Link in profile to enroll before midnight tonight, or go to thehouseandhomestead.com/society
#homesteading #selfreliance #selfsufficiency #homesteadingskills #preparedness
There are so many reasons to grow your own food at home:
💰 Saves you money at the grocery store
🍴 Healthier than conventionally grown food
🔑 increases your overall food security
🫙 Gives you an abundance to preserve and share
But perhaps the number one reason is because it just tastes better!
Not only does food taste better when it’s freshly picked or allowed to ripen on the vine, there’s something about putting in the work to grow something from a tiny seed and then getting to see it on your dinner plate that just makes it so much more satisfying than anything you’ll ever buy from the store.
Plus, having to wait all year for fresh tomatoes or strawberries or zucchinis to be in season makes that short period when they’re available just that much more exciting!
With the world spinning out of control and food prices continuing to rise, it’s no wonder more people are taking an interest in learning to grow their own food at home. But that also means changing our relationship with food and learning to appreciate the work that goes into producing it and the natural seasonality of organically grown fruits and vegetables.
(It also means learning to preserve it so you can make the most of it and enjoy homegrown food all year long).
In my online membership program, The Society of Self-Reliance, you’ll learn how to grow your own food, from seed to harvest, as well as how to preserve it so you can enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor all year long!
You’ll also learn how to grow and craft your own herbal medicine, detox your home, become your own handyman, and so much more (because self-reliance is about more than just the food that we eat… But that’s a pretty good place to start!)
The doors to the Society are now open for a limited time only. Click the link in my profile or go to thehouseandhomestead.com/society to learn more.
#foodsecurity #homegrownfood #homesteading #selfreliance #selfsufficiency #homegrownfoodjusttastesbetter
If you’ve been watching events unfold over the past few years and you’re feeling called to start “cutting ties” with the system and begin reclaiming your independence, The Society of Self-Reliance was made for you!
When I first launched this online membership program last year, my goal was to create a one-stop resource where members could go to learn and practice every aspect of self-reliance, as well as a space to connect with other like-minded people pursuing the same goal. And that’s exactly what you’ll get when you join!
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn inside the Society:
🌱 Food Security and Self-Sufficiency: Learn the art of growing and preserving your own food, ensuring you and your loved ones have access to nutritious meals year-round.
🌿 Natural Living and Herbal Medicine Mastery: Discover the secrets to creating a low-tox home and and to growing, making and using herbal remedies to support your family’s health, naturally.
🔨 Essential Life Skills: Learn essential life skills like time management, effective goal setting and practical DIY skills to become more self-sufficient.
As a member, you’ll enjoy:
📚 Monthly Video Lessons: Gain access to our ever-growing library of video lessons, with fresh content added each month.
📞 Live Group Coaching Calls: Participate in our monthly live group coaching calls, where we deep dive into a different self-reliance topic every month, and do live demonstrations and Q&A’s.
🏡 Private Community: Join our private community forum where you can ask questions, share your progress, and connect with like-minded individuals.
I only open the doors to The Society once or twice each year, but right now, for one week only, you can become a member for just $20/month (or $200/year).
In today’s world, self-reliance is no longer a luxury, a “cute hobby,” it’s a necessity. Join us inside The Society of Self-Reliance and empower yourself with the skills you need to thrive in the new world!
Link in profile or visit thehouseandhomestead.com/society to learn more.
#selfreliance #selfreliant #selfsufficiency #selfsufficientliving #sustainableliving #modernhomesteading #homesteadingskills #preparedness
Got out for an early morning harvest today. Been up since 3am, contemplating life, the future and the past, the order of things…
There is a rumbling right now, not just in North America, but around the world. Many of us can feel it, and know we are on the precipice of something big.
I’d been hearing about this new song that’s become an overnight viral sensation, written by an (until now) unknown singer named Oliver Anthony. His new song Rich Men North of Richmond has had 14 million views on YouTube in the past week alone, so I decided to check it out.
I also saw a clip of him playing a Farmers Market last week, and anything that has to do with Farmers Markets always has my attention;)
I can’t tell you how many tears I’ve already cried listening to that song. If you’ve heard it already, you probably know what I’m talking about, and if you haven’t, I highly recommend giving it a listen. All I can say is it’s been a while since a song resonated so deeply with me, and in this strange new world, I know I’m not the only one.
One of the lines in Anthony’s song is “Livin’ in the new world, with an old soul,” and that’s something I think so many of us in the homesteading community can relate to.
Trying to cling to better days; To a simpler time; To the old ways, all while doing our best to get by in the new world.
The world has changed drastically in the last few years especially, and it’s set to change in immense ways over the next few years. Today I’m feeling thankful for people like @oliver_anthony_music_ who give a voice to what so many are feeling right now.
Know that if you’re feeling it too, you’re far from alone. And while the future may feel uncertain and even a little scary, remember that if we stand united, we the people are a force to be reckoned with.
(Continued in comments…)
Another garlic harvest in the books!
Garlic is easily one of my favourite crops to grow. It’s pretty much a “set if and forget it” crop. We plant in the fall and leave it to overwinter, fertilize a couple times in the spring, start watering only once the ground starts to dry out, and then harvest in the summer. We can even plant a fall succession crop after our garlic if we want so it really makes great use of garden space all year round.
Over the years we’ve managed to become completely self-sufficient with garlic. We now grow enough to eat all year (and then some!), plus we save our own seed garlic and usually have extra to sell or give away. And around here fresh, organic garlic ain’t cheap, so it’s a good cash crop for anyone who’s serious about selling it.
It took me a few years to really get the hang of garlic, but it’s one crop I’m now very confident with (knock on wood, because it’s always when we make statements like this that next year’s crop fails! Lol.)
A while back I compiled a comprehensive guide to growing, harvesting and using garlic both as an edible and medicinal crop. This is usually only available as part of a paid bundle (or in the fall 2022 issue of Modern Homesteading Magazine if you’re a subscriber;), but for a limited time I’m offering it for free, no strings attached!
Plus you’ll also get access to my step-by-step video lesson on planting garlic so you can set yourself up for success with your garlic crop this year.
Comment “Garlic” below or head to thehouseandhomestead.com/garlic-guide to get your free copy!
.
.
.
#garlic #garlicharvest #homesteading #selfsufficient #selfsufficiency #selfsufficientliving #selfreliance #homegrown #groworganic #growfoodnotlawns #gardenersofinstagram #homesteadersofinstagram
Going through photos and videos from our trip to the @modernhomesteadingconference and the vast majority are of our daughter having the time of her life!
Even if I personally got nothing else out of this gathering (which I most certainly did), watching her discover her own love of this lifestyle outside of what we do at home made my heart grow three sizes!
Homesteading is about so much more than homegrown food and self-reliance. It’s about passing on invaluable skills and an understanding of and respect for our connection to the land that provides for us to the next generation.
Being around so many other kids and families who are also pursuing a homesteading lifestyle helped show our little one that this is a movement that is so much bigger and greater than what our own family does on our little plot of land. This is a lifestyle worth pursuing, with a community unlike any other.
Glad to be back home and more excited than ever to involve my kids in everything we’re doing. But also, I think I speak for my whole family when I say we can’t wait to go back someday!
.
.
.
#homesteading #modernhomesteading #raisinglittles
If you’re simply looking for ways to save a little extra cash this summer and live well for less, here are 12 tried and tested frugal living tips for summer that you can use to save money this season without sacrificing a thing.
Head over using the link in my bio!
https://thehouseandhomestead.com/12-frugal-living-tips-summer/
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#houseandhomestead
#momentsofcalm
#pursuejoy
#simplepleasuresoflife
#thatauthenticfeeling
#findhappiness
#artofslowliving
#simplelifepleasures
#lifesimplepleasure
#simplepleasuresinlife
#thatauthenticlife
#authenticlifestyle
#liveanauthenticlife
#livinginspired
#savouringhappiness
#livemoment
#localgoodness
#simplelive
#lifeouthere
#enjoywhatyouhave
#frugallifestyle
#homesteadingmama
#offgridhomestead
#modernfarmhousekitchen
#crunchymama
#rusticfarmhouse
#farmhouseinspo
#farmhouselife
#modernhomesteading
#backyardfarmer
A brand new issue of Modern Homesteading Magazine just dropped!
In this issue:
🌱 How to forage and use five common edible and medicinal weeds
🏠 A sustainable, affordable alternative to traditional homes, greenhouses and more
👨👩👧👦 Tips for managing a homestead while raising a family (big or small!)
🫙 What to focus on when preserving food for true food security
🌹 How to grow and arrange your own cut flowers at home
🍓 The many ways to preserve summer berries (including 5 delicious recipes!)
💇How to make your own all-natural herbal hair care products at home
🧑🌾 Why “community sufficiency” is the new self-sufficiency
And more!
Visit modernhomesteadingmagazine.com (or click the link in my bio) to subscribe or login to the library and read the latest issue.
Plus, be sure to check out all of our past issues as well! There’s a wealth of information in our library on everything from farming and gardening to cooking and canning to herbal medicine, natural living and so much more!
*** This will be the last quarterly issue! ***
This little magazine has grown so much over the past 4 years and 32 issues, and now it’s time for another exciting evolution.
I’m excited to announce that we will be moving to an even more robust annual publication with the intention of offering the first ever print edition this fall if there is enough demand.
I’m also excited to announce the brand new Modern Homesteading Magazine blog, which is currently under construction and will be launching soon. While we will still be maintaining digital subscriptions, the blog will be accessible to all, free of charge, so that more people might benefit from the empowering and increasingly important information that we cover in each issue.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this issue happen! @homesteadingfamily @oatsandhoneyhomestead @omnivore.culture @thetaylor.leigh @doeraydesign (and more who don’t have IG pages;)
And a HUGE thank you to everyone who has subscribed over the years. Modern Homesteading Magazine would never have become what it is today without each and every one of you.
#homesteading #modernhomesteading #selfsufficiency
If you’ve ever grown your own garlic, you might have noticed the spiral-shaped shoots that suddenly pop up in the centre of the stem, usually about a month or so before the garlic bulbs themselves are ready to be harvested.
These are garlic scapes, and believe it or not- they make delicious pesto! Get the recipe through the link in my bio- https://thehouseandhomestead.com/garlic-scape-pesto/
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#houseandhomestead
#homesteadmom
#homesteadmoments
#homesteadingskills
#homesteady
#thehomestead
#thehomesteadlife
#summeronthehomestead
#suburbanhomesteading
#lovemyfarm
#modernhomesteader
#countrygal
#country_living
#urbanhomesteading
#selfsustainableliving
#homesteaderslife
#garlic
#garlicscapes
#garlicscapespesto
#granolamom
#urbanhomesteader
#homesteadlifestyle
#farmerslifeforme
#backyardhomesteading
#homesteadingfamily
#sustainablelifestyles
#happyhomesteading
#homesteadersofamerica
#homesteaders
This honey and chive blossom vinaigrette is a frugal, easy and healthy homemade salad dressing that pairs beautifully with fresh garden salads all season long.
Get the recipe through the link in my bio.
https://thehouseandhomestead.com/chive-blossom-vinaigrette/
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#houseandhomestead
#herbalgarden
#gardenherbs
#herbsfromthegarden
#freshherbsfromthegarden
#gardenfreshherbs
#chiveblossoms
#homesteadmom
#homesteadmoments
#homesteadingskills
#homesteady
#thehomestead
#thehomesteadlife
#summeronthehomestead
#suburbanhomesteading
#lovemyfarm
#modernhomesteader
#countrygal
#country_living
#urbanhomesteading
#selfsustainableliving
#homesteaderslife
#seasonalrecipes
#eatinseason
#liveseasonally
#eattheseasons
#seasonaleats
#summersbounty
#eatseasonal
Whether you live in the city and grow a few herbs on your balcony, have a few backyard chickens in the suburbs or live in the country and have a larder full of enough home-canned food to survive the apocalypse, if living a more homemade, homegrown, self-sufficient lifestyle is important to you, Modern Homesteading Magazine was made for you!
Read it today through the link in my bio!
https://modernhomesteadingmagazine.com/
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#houseandhomestead
#homesteadmom
#homesteadmoments
#homesteadingskills
#homesteady
#thehomestead
#thehomesteadlife
#summeronthehomestead
#suburbanhomesteading
#lovemyfarm
#modernhomesteader
#countrygal
#country_living
#urbanhomesteading
#selfsustainableliving
#homesteaderslife
#granolamom
#urbanhomesteader
#homesteadlifestyle
#farmerslifeforme
#backyardhomesteading
#homesteadingfamily
#sustainablelifestyles
#happyhomesteading
#homesteadersofamerica
#homesteaders
#backyardhomestead
#hobbyfarmer
#selfsufficientliving
This radish top pesto recipe makes good use of the edible radish greens that often get discarded once they’re separated from the root. The end result is a peppery, slightly spicy twist on a classic pesto recipe.
A perfect condiment for all your summer snacking!
https://thehouseandhomestead.com/radish-top-pesto-recipe/
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#houseandhomestead
#radishes
#vegetablerecipes
#sustainablecooking
#foodforeveryone
#eatlocallygrown
#seasonalrecipes
#freshandlocal
#eatingseasonally
#eatlocallygrown
#seasonalproduce
#eatseasonalfood
#seasonalshift
#seasonalfoods
#homesteadmom
#homesteadmoments
#homesteadingskills
#homesteady
#thehomestead
#thehomesteadlife
#summeronthehomestead
#suburbanhomesteading
#lovemyfarm
#modernhomesteader
#countrygal
#country_living
#urbanhomesteading
#selfsustainableliving
#homesteaderslife
You say we need to stop mom shaming, and yet you absolutely did that with your choice of words like “banish to a crib” and “may even be left to cry it out.” Unfortunate
I think she was using hyperbole. Not intending to shame, but being dramatic to drive the point. She also used dramatic language for the other side too, and she mentioned toward the end that circumcision/cry it out/co-sleeping isn’t anyone else’s business, you should be advocating for your child and doing what’s best for your own family.
Such a great post. I’m 20 weeks pregnant and I’ve already decided I don’t want to breastfeed. It gives me anxiety just thinking about it, but I’ve already had those negative thoughts like, “People are gonna think I’m a bad mom”, which isn’t true. My mom didn’t breastfeed me or my sister either and we both grew up healthy and happy. Thanks for spreading the love!
Just for giggles: I told my fiancé I didn’t want to breastfeed and he said, “But won’t your boobs explode? How ya gonna get it out?” 😂
This is a perfect response to the whole crunchy mama vs silky mama drama. The only thing I will say is that the cry it out method is harmful and should be avoided. Other than that, parent as you wish, as long as it’s not hurting your child.
Hi Anna, I’m Shera and I’m a scrunchy mom 😂 I had no idea what a crunchy mom was! I saw a comment in a Facebook group for mamas who had babies in the same month as me. I had to google it and your article was the first to pop up! I love being a scrunchy mom. Had no idea there was labels for the parenting styles. Scrunchy is that sweet balance needed for a happy baby and a sane momma. Great article!
Thank you, Anna, for your insight on Crunchy/Silky mom’s/families.
Wow!!!! I had no idea I was a “Scrunchy Mom”! I’m 57 and just found out (giggle).
I just watched a random reel about “Family Cloth” (I had to look that one up, too) and was reading the comments trying to figure out what it was.
So, off to the internet. Thank God I didn’t need to embarrass myself by having to ask someone…..another giggle.
I didn’t circumcise, I breastfed my 5 boys on demand, we had a family bed (think it’s called co-sleeping), used cloth diapers and wash cloths for their bums, made their baby food (simply mashed up what we ate….they didn’t eat till they could actually sit up and grab for their own food), Colloidal silver , raw garlic and raw honey are my go-to’s for illnesses, as well as Helminth Therapy for myself. I eventually homeschooled all of my children.
But, my first two births were cesareans and the last three normal but VERY difficult. I was planning for home births but I NEVER had a birth that was less than 2 days long😳 I also gave them a bottle when someone else watched them along with disposable diapers, and they were allowed to have a pacifier or whatever they needed, sugar was not avoided, and they were vaccinated (but I wish I’d have waited till they were older to do so). All my children also attended public school at some point. The first three started in public s cool and the last 3 went to public school for middle school. They were ALL allowed to choose. I also use normal medicine sometimes.
All my decisions were made without knowing if there were others out there with the same thoughts/ideas. The way I raised my boys and decisions I made were kept quite private. I didn’t want to have to defend my choices. I just did what I thought was right and what fit for our family.
I do have an opinion about what I think is best, but so do other folks. I hope I’m never judgemental. I usually don’t offer advice unless someone asks. And I always use the disclaimer: I have raised 5 children and STILL don’t know what I’m doing.
My friend mentioned this term to me and I was curious on what it entails. Thank you that was great learning experience for me.
I want to say I appreciate your balanced approach to this subject. I didn’t know what a crunchy mom was until today and when I saw the term it was all negative. It’s sad and disappointing that as a culture we always feel the need to bash other people. We can have differing opinions and there are always 2 sides. I would say I’m a scrunchy mom.
Yes! What a great post, such kind and wise words. 💗
I found this post because i was like wtf is a crunchy mama .
First , I never read blogs, because they’re annoying but I read this and it was well written, honestly , and beautiful. The last 2 paragraphs were great. Proud #scrunchymama here too!!
It’s funny, this was one of my first ever blog posts years ago and for whatever reason it’s trending again now. There must be another trending article on crunchy moms that’s got people Googling the term and finding mine!
Huh. Everyday I learned something new. I’m not a mom (yet) but I think my mom was a scrunchy mama. And her name is Anna too! Lol
So I think any style is fine as long as you VACCINATE your children. Not vaccinating bc of whatever “beliefs” you have (other than religious) is ignorant at best and criminal at worst. When we have things like polio creeping back in society bc of these “crunchy” moms, it’s enraging. Like do you not get you are actually HARMING your child? I knew a mom that let her kid (my kid’s best friend, still is) go without antibiotics despite knowing her child had strep throat. THEN the child developed scarlet fever, still no meds or doctor (though she took the kid to the doctor to confirm strep, like what??), and now this kid has cardiomyopathy, permanently, from the inflammation that the scarlet fever left. Why? Why would you do that to your child? There is a way to 100% reduce that risk, regardless of how small; why even take that risk? Bc you have a “feeling”? This mom gave this child some herb root nonsense that obviously DIDN’T work. Even though medications and vaccinations aren’t 100% all the time, statistically speaking, it is far more likely to yield success than some hippie dippy nonsense that’s based on nothing more than an overreactive fear response to not having absolute control over your child and what they do. That’s all this “crunchy” not vaccinating BS is, a parent’s insane OCD about keeping their child safe that they feel like if they don’t completely understand what’s going on, they have to control their child’s every aspect of life and in every way, including the lack of proper vaccinations and medications as needed. And for reference, I exclusively breastfed until my child self weened at 5, no bottles and no formula-ever, I made fresh organic baby food and still only do organic and fresh foods, I used cloth diapers only, and we STILL cosleep at age 6. However, I DO VACCINATE my child and provide doctor prescribed medications when absolutely necessary, bc the vast majority of the time, doctors know immensely more than I do when it comes to the health of children, even my own child. Grow tf up, be responsible, and VACCINATE your children. It should be a crime not to.
Ha! I love this: I’m a scrunchy mom too! It’s horrible how we too often belittle others, If not in words then in our thoughts.
I love this post! I love the inclusiveness.
I found this article because I kept seeing the hashtag #crunchymom. Thanks to your post I get it. Come to find out one of my best mom friends is more than likely a proud crunchy mom. I’d consider myself scrunchy, for sure. Just gotta keep this babe alive and happy.
We’re truly all just trying to do what we think is best. No one should be shamed for that ❤️
Absolutely! At the end of the day, we all just want what’s best for our babies:)
You are one smart cookie. I was a “scrunch mom” in the early ’70s. Gave birth on hospitals, breastfed exclusively, co-slept, and was rigorous about vaccinations.
All we can do, is the best we can. My children are in their 40s now, and did the same. They’re all 3 veterans, and parents, and some are grandparents, too-all doing their best.
Nice work!